tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89571168490679016902017-09-03T18:57:14.634-04:00Whispers in the Night"I will praise the Lord, who counsels me, even at night my heart instructs me."
Psalm 16:7Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-20019037545114671572015-06-12T17:09:00.001-04:002015-06-12T17:12:03.350-04:00Mom doubtsYesterday I was talking to another mom and she was sharing how she is thinking of homeschooling her preschool daughter next year. She shared how she thinks it's the right thing for her daughter but she still has doubts because she feels like sending your child to preschool is the expected thing. I assured her that whatever she felt was right for her daughter was going to be right.<br><div><br></div><div>Sometimes it is hard being a mom. Sometimes you never feel like you're doing anything right. If my kid doesn't have those shoes I'm not a good mom. If my kid doesn't go to preschool I'm not a good mom. If I don't homeschool my kids I'm not a good mom. If I let my kids watch TV I'm not a good mom. If I don't feed my kids that food I'm not a good mom. And the list goes on and on.</div><div><br></div><div>Why all these doubts? I have determined not to let media, social pressure and others guide my mothering. And I urge all of you mothers out there to do the same. You know what's best for your children, the choices you make will be the best for your kids. So go on being a mother and don't doubt for one second that you aren't a good one. Don't let the father of lies even put that in your heart for one second. Pray to God for direction and guidance and go on being a great mother free of doubts.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FylhMJvTU6I/VXtKfD4iTAI/AAAAAAAAAsU/Qm0wHlSnZwY/s640/blogger-image-417747133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FylhMJvTU6I/VXtKfD4iTAI/AAAAAAAAAsU/Qm0wHlSnZwY/s640/blogger-image-417747133.jpg"></a></div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-3944525188645022012014-04-19T21:11:00.001-04:002014-04-19T21:11:52.838-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgISWxM5yIM/U1McyYGlZfI/AAAAAAAAArE/D6dQxtCGdC8/s1600/P1110690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgISWxM5yIM/U1McyYGlZfI/AAAAAAAAArE/D6dQxtCGdC8/s1600/P1110690.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>I love my life!<br /><br />Getting to wake up each morning to these two cute faces! (Usually one of them curled up next to me in the bed.)&nbsp; And then I get to spend the entire day doing nothing but hanging out with them.&nbsp; Ok there might be the occasional food spill I need to cleanup, poopy diapers, wiping bums, numerous food services and cleanups (breakfast, lunch and dinner is not enough for 2 growing toddlers), toys cleanups, etc, etc, etc.&nbsp; So I guess I wouldn't say DOING NOTHING!&nbsp; <br /><br />But every moment no matter what is involved is awesome because I am hanging out with 2 of my favorites:)&nbsp; <br /><br />I have had a lot of special times in my life and have loved them all but this time in my life is definitely one of the most special times.&nbsp; <br /><br />I am treasuring every hour, every minute, every second because it is so precious!<br /><br />Love you kiddos:)<br /><br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-39245502858989341982013-09-10T11:01:00.001-04:002013-09-10T11:01:45.566-04:00This is the DayTime goes by so fast.........it seems like just yesterday I was sitting on the&nbsp;living room of the house I grew up in&nbsp;playing Barbies and Gi Joes with my brother..........now I am sitting watch my boy and girl just starting their adventure of playing together as brother and sister.&nbsp; Wow!&nbsp; <br /><br />3 years ago I had the joy of giving birth to my son Tian and 6 months ago my daughter Tessa.&nbsp; And what a blessing each day with them is!&nbsp; God truly gives us blessings when he gives us our children to enjoy and raise and as I sit and watch these 2 play it is my prayer that He would give me the wisdom and understanding in how to raise them the right way!&nbsp; <br /><br />Some days I worry about if I play enough with them, pray enough with them, feed them right, teach them the right things at the right time,&nbsp;discipline them right&nbsp;etc, etc, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp; I think I need to read that book so I know what to feed them, I need to do that activity so they can learn their colors or I need to follow that person's discipline guide.&nbsp; But then I hear the soft voice of the Spirit saying to me just love them and allow me to be your guide.&nbsp; And so&nbsp;the worries vanish (at least for a couple hours:)&nbsp; <br /><br />As I spend these precious years with my little ones and watch them grow, grow and grow into the man and woman God created them to be it is my prayer to allow Him to guide me in the process.&nbsp; And to also allow me to live the verse "This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it."&nbsp; I want to enjoy every day, moment and second of this time - playing legos, cars, eating PB and Jelly and cuddles before naptime.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GD9tAfPHt8/Ui8zeWFQ1AI/AAAAAAAAAqk/iukE7CafzNw/s1600/P1100515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GD9tAfPHt8/Ui8zeWFQ1AI/AAAAAAAAAqk/iukE7CafzNw/s320/P1100515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-75239251430224614172013-03-19T20:31:00.000-04:002013-03-19T20:31:48.732-04:00Tessa's Birth Story<span style="font-family: Arial;">The story began Saturday morning March 2nd&nbsp; 2013 around 9:00am.&nbsp; I had been expecting this birth to begin during the night or while I was out somewhere with&nbsp;Tian and all of a sudden&nbsp; maybe my water would break.&nbsp; I actually tried to stay home quite a bit the days before my due date just feeling like I could handle things better if I was at home when the labor started than if I was out somewhere.&nbsp; But this birth started very similar to my first and in many ways was much the same.&nbsp; And this was nice because it allowed for Troy to be here, and for me to be relaxed and stress-free.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">So around 9am I started having mild contractions and had the feeling like this could be it.&nbsp;&nbsp; They were steady coming about every 8-12 minutes but mild and I was able to get dressed, eat, play with Tian, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp; I told Troy "Please go get your stuff packed and start packing the car because this is happening today."&nbsp; So he started getting things ready while I sat on the couch with Tian watching Mickey Mouse or Bubble Guppies and started timing my contractions and relaxing for the harder stuff to come.&nbsp;&nbsp; And come it did.&nbsp;&nbsp; After lunch Troy took Tian to nap and I remember still feeling like things were going pretty easy.&nbsp;&nbsp; Fairly mild contractions every 7-8 minutes.&nbsp; But around 3:30pm the contractions started getting harder and I began to feel like maybe we better call the doctor and see what they thought........especially since this was the second child.&nbsp;&nbsp; I honestly was kind of nervous that I might wait too long and not make it to the hospital on time.&nbsp;&nbsp; So I called my practice, which has anywhere from 12 doctors that could have been on&nbsp;call, and&nbsp;it&nbsp;turned out to be the same doctor that delivered Tian.&nbsp;&nbsp; She said to wait a little while&nbsp;longer&nbsp;until the contractions were a little closer&nbsp;together and more intense and then come in.&nbsp;&nbsp; Well&nbsp;a little over an hour later I decided they were "too intense".&nbsp;&nbsp; So I called again, called our babysitter to come and watch Tian and we headed in.&nbsp;&nbsp; We were at the hospital by 7pm and&nbsp;my contractions were coming faster now - every&nbsp;3 or 4 minutes and were getting stronger.&nbsp;&nbsp; So they&nbsp;took me to the observation room right away to observe me and sure enough it was time for me to be there.......7 centimeters and 100%....... I was ready to be in the hospital for active labor.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">Active labor continued for another couple of hours and I remember thinking this seems a lot more intense than it did the first time around with Tian.&nbsp;&nbsp; But I was determined to make it through again with no epidural and Troy did a great job relaxing me through each contraction.&nbsp;&nbsp; I found if I just leaned on him and relaxed my body&nbsp;the contractions were managable and seemed to pass quickly.&nbsp;&nbsp; I was encouraged to lay some on my side though as the baby's heartrate was dipping with each contraction.&nbsp;&nbsp; As it turned out she had the cord wrapped around her neck so when I was having a contraction it was squeezing the cord.&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">Eventually it was time to push and while most of the labor had been similar to my first this was far from that.&nbsp;&nbsp; While I pushed 3 hours with Tian my first-born this time I only had to push 3 minutes.&nbsp;&nbsp; And these 3 minutes seemed like forever when the 3 hours of pushing had not been nearly as intense.&nbsp;&nbsp; But finally Tessa Soleil was born at 10:03pm only 2 hours before her actual due date.&nbsp;&nbsp; She weighed in at 9lbs 9oz and 21.5 inches long.&nbsp; And getting to hold her right away was a treat:)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">Once again I had a great birthing experience.&nbsp; I am so happy I chose to experience both births naturally using the Bradley Method with Troy as my coach and support.&nbsp;&nbsp; I really feel like it aloud for us to experience the birth as a team.&nbsp;&nbsp; And I am so thankful for a birth and pregnancy&nbsp;that went smoothly without any complications to allow me to have a natural labor.&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thanking God for a beautiful new life that we know have to share on our journey.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gbBaxkItOsw/UUkDNpxOD0I/AAAAAAAAAp8/Q5GlxHHMRK0/s1600/P1080990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gbBaxkItOsw/UUkDNpxOD0I/AAAAAAAAAp8/Q5GlxHHMRK0/s320/P1080990.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-30631484188196466252013-03-09T11:36:00.001-05:002013-03-09T11:36:12.362-05:00Tessa Soleil<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What keeps someone from blogging for almost a year?&nbsp; I guess chasing an overactive 2 year old and being pregnant might qualify.&nbsp;&nbsp; But the time has come that a new blog is needed.&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The birth of our 2nd child - Tessa Soleil Mouer.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tessa was born Saturday March 2nd at 10:03pm (2 hours before her due date).&nbsp; She weighed in at 9lbs&nbsp;9oz and&nbsp;was 21.5 inches long.&nbsp; &nbsp;She has some dark hair and eye color is yet to be determined.&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">Her name Tessa means "harvester" and Soleil (so-lay) is the french word for sun.&nbsp;&nbsp; We hope her name will have a significant meaning in her life as a Christian someday as a harvester of souls.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">We are very excited to have her with us watch her and her brother grow together.&nbsp;&nbsp; We are also very thankful and blessed to have a healthy and beautiful baby.&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-I1XZ2Yl5o/UTtko2tPctI/AAAAAAAAAps/pi0RMU9MKqY/s1600/hospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-I1XZ2Yl5o/UTtko2tPctI/AAAAAAAAAps/pi0RMU9MKqY/s320/hospital.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-5249313749667620222012-05-14T19:54:00.002-04:002012-05-14T19:54:02.432-04:00Leading the Freeze dance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwjT8agHbLFgEnQwqm7-5QAKzV4kq0bH5fqi1GW387sXChSUrxox-SkGruy1MSaN6gn6OOotAn9BW1pzcdNzg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-89479756382235208482012-05-14T18:39:00.002-04:002012-05-14T18:39:51.597-04:00Finally able to do a layup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dweg8Agm9uNhdtv4XE2kMuo1wNid5sLbV4TIOO2lnq6TdA0koK9MlCiNjo_f0o7SbW5VKRhX1sms4LL4Z96nA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-3943940745983493872012-04-01T20:00:00.000-04:002012-04-01T20:53:26.702-04:00Emptiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki3YCbhaarA/T3j4GTcCWrI/AAAAAAAAApg/9PX_jqOIoWU/s1600/f53480b47e02a64528a3d28fede43e_gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki3YCbhaarA/T3j4GTcCWrI/AAAAAAAAApg/9PX_jqOIoWU/s400/f53480b47e02a64528a3d28fede43e_gallery.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />A few days ago I went to the doctor for the 1st big checkup.........time to see baby #2. I had missed my period and had a positive pregnancy test and things seemed to be falling into place. I told my husband before I left I should be home with pictures and we both smiled. <br /><br />So as I sat looking at the ultrasound in the exam room watching the doctor point at an empty dark spot where my baby should have been I wasn't really sure what to feel. Happy? Since as the doctor said there may have been something wrong at conception and the embryo never developed? Sad? Because I was never to know a baby that could have been? Scared? Because I would have to have a surgical procedure done to remove all the tissue that my body was continuing to develop thinking I was pregnant? I actually just sat there looking at the empty black hole and thinking that was kind of how I felt. Empty. <br /><br />Thankfully my "empty" feeling didn't last long. Within seconds I felt the reassuring peace and comfort of the Spirit telling me it is all in God's hands. I found that as I let the Spirit fill me the emptiness turned into an overflow of peace. <br /><br />Peace knowing God is in control of every aspect of our lives and we can be without worry or fear knowing His direction and control is perfect. And peace knowing even when the direction of life may not be what we expect we can know God will fill us with the deepest joy in the end. And peace knowing there is hope for a future filled with new possibilities and joys and normal ultrasounds. <br /><br />No matter what the emptiness - Don't let the emptiness consume you. Be thankful the blessings and joys you have in the present and live in every moment. Know God has a perfect plan for your life all in His timing. And let the Spirit be your source of truth and comfort.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-64393244217693897712012-03-14T16:41:00.000-04:002012-03-14T16:55:08.813-04:00101 ways to keep Tian from climbing the walls (literally)!Now that Tian has started his new skill - climbing - I have realized the time has come for me to return to my teaching days. I thought I would not be doing lesson planning again for quite awhile but the time has come........daily preplanned activities for my little "over active" boy. <br /><br />So I have decided to start posting the things we do and while I don't have 101 things that we have done yet, probably by tomorrow I might:). And thanks to my new favorite app (Pinterest) lesson planning has been pretty easy! And I have also realized messy stuff is pretty easy to cleanup if it keeps a toddler occupied for more than 2 minutes. <br /><br />#1 - Indoor Sandbox (made with flour and baby oil) that kept Tian busy for 45 minutes!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AaWKPhNHhWQ/T2EEWcHnhtI/AAAAAAAAAoM/Ubkt6TvFKmc/s1600/P1070230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AaWKPhNHhWQ/T2EEWcHnhtI/AAAAAAAAAoM/Ubkt6TvFKmc/s400/P1070230.JPG" /></a></div><br />#2 - Homemade Finger Paint or if it turns out more like slime go with it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wD3rftc_Kvo/T2EEm__vZRI/AAAAAAAAAoY/xi5k7TbERRU/s1600/P1070245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wD3rftc_Kvo/T2EEm__vZRI/AAAAAAAAAoY/xi5k7TbERRU/s400/P1070245.JPG" /></a></div><br />#3 - Cook up some soup<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j1_46-IRKF8/T2EEB25dQPI/AAAAAAAAAoA/ws1fZaDQl14/s1600/P1070228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j1_46-IRKF8/T2EEB25dQPI/AAAAAAAAAoA/ws1fZaDQl14/s400/P1070228.JPG" /></a></div><br />#4 - Go Outside <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L72ohzrUyaM/T2EFFQrwMjI/AAAAAAAAAok/g66sF43Ve34/s1600/P1070240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L72ohzrUyaM/T2EFFQrwMjI/AAAAAAAAAok/g66sF43Ve34/s400/P1070240.JPG" /></a></div><br />#5 - Go Outside (to a playground) <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t4cfHTDDr2k/T2EFgHQyxOI/AAAAAAAAAow/8CZ5sFfG2pw/s1600/P1070266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t4cfHTDDr2k/T2EFgHQyxOI/AAAAAAAAAow/8CZ5sFfG2pw/s400/P1070266.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6WF0KlOje28/T2EFgWh6GkI/AAAAAAAAAo8/vRFLLJ8KM_c/s1600/P1070252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6WF0KlOje28/T2EFgWh6GkI/AAAAAAAAAo8/vRFLLJ8KM_c/s400/P1070252.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLHUmN125vo/T2EFhDWtgfI/AAAAAAAAApI/NcdkCT9_J5Q/s1600/P1070257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLHUmN125vo/T2EFhDWtgfI/AAAAAAAAApI/NcdkCT9_J5Q/s400/P1070257.JPG" /></a></div><br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-55963738814524032082012-03-03T15:31:00.000-05:002012-03-04T20:28:19.168-05:0018 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PizALou3GLk/T1QWhMDp6oI/AAAAAAAAAno/8Jm9d1ixCqo/s1600/P1070209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PizALou3GLk/T1QWhMDp6oI/AAAAAAAAAno/8Jm9d1ixCqo/s400/P1070209.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A6Q9yhMAeUA/T1QWhunNdUI/AAAAAAAAAn0/4D_2eLWoHdI/s1600/P1070168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A6Q9yhMAeUA/T1QWhunNdUI/AAAAAAAAAn0/4D_2eLWoHdI/s400/P1070168.JPG" /></a></div><br />18 months have passed since Tian Elliot came into the world and I sometimes try and remember what life was like when he wasn't here. I can't quite remember those diaper-free, sleeping through the night, and sleeping in on Saturday days! But then again why would I even want to.......Life has forever been changed and in a good way:)<br />As Tian continues to grow it is so much fun to watch him learn and develop. Some of my favorite moments are watching him discover new things making me appreciate and wonder more at the simple things around me. <br />Like in other month posts I always like to post some highlights for the last several months but this time I thought I would share some favorite events and some not so favorite events. Regardless they all brought many laughs:)<br /><br />Favorite things of the last 2 months........<br />1. Tian riding in the shopping cart car at Giant.<br />2. Trying to work more on Potty Training (Yeah - Tian learned to sit down on his potty by himself and enjoys getting stickers for using the potty correctly!)<br />3. Tian starting to dance more to music and singing La La's. <br />4. Tian starting to communicate more verbally. Like when he wakes up and walks over to the stairs and starts yelling "dada" to see if dada hasn't left for work yet. Or saying "out please" to get out of his high chair. Or chasing the cat around the house and yelling "kitty" at the top of his lungs.<br />5. Tian's new interest in coloring and scribbling. A nice sit down relaxing activity for Tian and mama:)<br /><br /><br />Least favorite things of the last 2 months......<br />1. Tian no longer wanting to sit in normal shopping carts while mama shops but instead squirming and screaming to be let out of the cart. Needless to say there haven't been too many shopping trips except to Giant. <br />2. Trying to work more on Potty Training (When Tian didn't quite sit down on his potty in time and I walked into the room to find a little pile of something NEXT to the potty.)<br />3. Tian's first stomach virus and mama's first time getting vomitted on.<br />4. Teething that never seems to end and when will the teeth pop through?<br />5. Tian's new ability and fascination with climbing on EVERYTHING........toilets, couches, chairs, coffee tables, etc. <br /><br /><br />Happy 18 months Tian!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-21322574370565669122012-02-29T16:32:00.000-05:002012-02-29T16:32:33.205-05:00Won't You Be My Neighbor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmjPxqQJ_fw/T06U9W702nI/AAAAAAAAAnc/-VnPoYgsBrE/s1600/neighborhood-street-md.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmjPxqQJ_fw/T06U9W702nI/AAAAAAAAAnc/-VnPoYgsBrE/s400/neighborhood-street-md.bmp" /></a></div><br />The other day I was contemplating how few non-Christians I know. With a recent challenge to pray for lost friends and acqaintances at our church I actually struggled a bit thinking of people to pray for. It came down to some distant relatives who I know need to find a relationship with Christ but other than that I couldn't think of anyone I see in my daily circle that I could pray for. (Side note: I think it is important that God laid my relatives on my heart and they need prayer just as much as anyone else. I was just questioning why I have so few lost people in my daily life to reach out to.)<br /><br />Then it hit me while I was sitting at home hanging out with Tian looking out the window. (Yeah sometimes I feel like that little nosey old lady who is always looking out her window at what others are doing.......but hey entertaining a toddler all day long can get old.) A voice that has been stirring in my heart for awhile speaks again....."You have plenty of lost people around you everyday that you could reach out to." The handicapped man who lives all alone, the pregnant teenage girl living with her family, the dad who lost his wife in a car accident and is raising a 1 year old, the young family with 2 toddlers, the elderly couple who love to sit outside and enjoy nature. There are plenty of people out there that you see everyday and need to know me - Your neighbors. <br /><br />And the stirring in my heart is right. These people are lost and need a light in their lives and just maybe that could be me. And the stirring gets me excited. But it quickly is diminished by feelings of fear and doubt as to how it could ever happen. How would I ever build relationships with these people. Yes I can do the occasional hi how are you talk but something more than that? Do I just go up and knock on their door and invite myself in or invite them to church? I quickly realize it needs to be a little deeper than that. And lately I have been finding out how it can be..........through the fearlessness of a toddler. <br /><br />Everytime Tian and I go outside Tian quickly gets bored with our yard and decides it's time to go explore somewhere else. Does he have any hesitations about the new surroundings he is going in or the new people he is going to meet. No. He is excited to go and share with them in whatever they are doing. So this usually means I am there tagging along and it is amazing how an energetic, happy toddler can make anyone smile.<br /><br />I need to be more like that toddler. Happy, excited and enthusied at the possiblity of going to visit and spend some time with my neighbors and share in their lives. Yes I need to get out from behind the window and begin to share in the lives of my neighbors. <br /><br />So to leave the challenge in the words of a Fred Rogers and because songs always stick with me...........<br /><br /><i>Won't You Be My Neighbor</i><br />It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood<br />A beautiful day for a neighbor<br />Would you be mine<br />Could you be mine<br /><br />It's a neighborly day in this beauty wood<br />A neighborly day for a beauty<br />Would you be mine<br />Could you be mine<br /><br />I've always wanted to have a neighbor just like you<br />I've always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you<br /><br />So, let's make the most of this beautiful day<br />Since we're together we might as well say<br />Would you be mine, could you be mine<br />Won't you be my neighbor<br />Won't you please, won't you please<br />Please won't you be my neighbor<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-52934782976079713982012-01-30T21:19:00.002-05:002012-01-30T21:19:29.143-05:00Tian's Top 10 favorite toddler apps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8f3ay2XvKw/TydNQnNcKPI/AAAAAAAAAmg/KCash6564f4/s1600/ipad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="271" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8f3ay2XvKw/TydNQnNcKPI/AAAAAAAAAmg/KCash6564f4/s320/ipad.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />After a month of using the new family IPAD (thanks to Uncle Adam) I thought I would take a moment and share some of our favorite toddler apps we have found for Tian. I am always searching the web for other moms' suggestions on toddler apps and thought I would share some of ours for the benefit of other moms. Most of the apps we tried for free then bought the full versions as we saw how much he enjoyed them.<br /><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dDIRWGiWPH8/TydGvUfNkuI/AAAAAAAAAko/fGE9Nmd7MJ4/s1600/city%2Bvehicles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dDIRWGiWPH8/TydGvUfNkuI/AAAAAAAAAko/fGE9Nmd7MJ4/s320/city%2Bvehicles.jpg" /></a></div><b>10. City Vehicles</b> - Free trial version or purchase the full app. What little boy doesn't like trucks and cars honking and driving on a road?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbtBONvLNts/TydLtRothlI/AAAAAAAAAk0/J9no3H_YyPU/s1600/color%2Bdrops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbtBONvLNts/TydLtRothlI/AAAAAAAAAk0/J9no3H_YyPU/s320/color%2Bdrops.jpg" /></a></div><b>9. Color Drops</b> - Free app for coloring on a blank screen or coloring pages to choose from. Great for doodling toddlers.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ktYZoiDJ47M/TydMMo4fJ-I/AAAAAAAAAlY/9OFVOoD7ZCw/s1600/piano%2Bcats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ktYZoiDJ47M/TydMMo4fJ-I/AAAAAAAAAlY/9OFVOoD7ZCw/s320/piano%2Bcats.jpg" /></a></div><b>8. Piano Cats </b>- Free app with cats as the keys on the piano that meow the pitches of the notes. Most likely one of Tian's favorites since these cats will actually let him touch them and respond back to his screams.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbofZdoxKlw/TydMg6EwniI/AAAAAAAAAlk/F_edvH6rYfw/s1600/explore%2Bthe%2Banimal%2Bkingdom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbofZdoxKlw/TydMg6EwniI/AAAAAAAAAlk/F_edvH6rYfw/s320/explore%2Bthe%2Banimal%2Bkingdom.jpg" /></a></div><b>7. Explore the Animal Kingdom</b> - Free app with animal pictures and animal noises. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DF1rnmV3BUA/TydMmfI-BGI/AAAAAAAAAlw/XgQemATGxt4/s1600/i%2Bhear%2Bewe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="269" width="187" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DF1rnmV3BUA/TydMmfI-BGI/AAAAAAAAAlw/XgQemATGxt4/s320/i%2Bhear%2Bewe.jpg" /></a></div><b>6. I Hear Ewe</b> - Free app with animal picture graphics and animal noises as well as some vehicle graphics and vehicle noises. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zumnmH7fIw/TydM1zdwiQI/AAAAAAAAAl8/0ko70BtWxX8/s1600/tempo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="175" width="175" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zumnmH7fIw/TydM1zdwiQI/AAAAAAAAAl8/0ko70BtWxX8/s320/tempo.jpg" /></a></div><b>5. Tempo the Tiger (Baby Genuis) </b>- Free trial version or purchase the full version. Has a great echo feature where you can talk to Tempo and he repeats what you say. Tian thinks this is hilarious. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RSeUB8IXzsE/TydM7xPq-4I/AAAAAAAAAmI/97aHPvPvRZA/s1600/peekabook%2Bwild.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RSeUB8IXzsE/TydM7xPq-4I/AAAAAAAAAmI/97aHPvPvRZA/s320/peekabook%2Bwild.png" /></a></div><b>4. Peekaboo Wild </b>- App must be purchased. Different and unique animals than any of the other Peekaboo apps. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OnGMiKswCk/TydNCYvyo0I/AAAAAAAAAmU/v-ERa0cBfy4/s1600/lion%2Bin%2Bmy%2Bbackyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OnGMiKswCk/TydNCYvyo0I/AAAAAAAAAmU/v-ERa0cBfy4/s320/lion%2Bin%2Bmy%2Bbackyard.jpg" /></a></div><b>3. There's a Lion in my Backyard</b> - Free trial version or purchase the full version. Another app to search for animals with great animal sounds and fun graphics.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bT0Dw61Ket0/TydOapHXu6I/AAAAAAAAAm4/v1DC4sH1N4o/s1600/peekaboo%2Bdeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bT0Dw61Ket0/TydOapHXu6I/AAAAAAAAAm4/v1DC4sH1N4o/s320/peekaboo%2Bdeer.jpg" /></a></div><b>2. Peekaboo Forest </b>- App must Be purchased. Really beautiful animal artwork by Charley Harper. Great music and animal sounds as well. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6Yc7aG3k-w/TydNsiclaBI/AAAAAAAAAms/3jvUsoHihk4/s1600/peekaboo%2Bbarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6Yc7aG3k-w/TydNsiclaBI/AAAAAAAAAms/3jvUsoHihk4/s320/peekaboo%2Bbarn.jpg" /></a></div><b>1. Peekaboo Barn</b> - Free trial version or purchase the full version. Great animal noises and animal graphics and definetly Tian's most played app.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-86788629948217800102012-01-30T14:44:00.000-05:002012-01-30T14:44:02.259-05:00Funk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yknzt8mzyZ0/Tyby5kCi9YI/AAAAAAAAAkc/mDov0oCH5I0/s1600/dirty%2Bwindow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yknzt8mzyZ0/Tyby5kCi9YI/AAAAAAAAAkc/mDov0oCH5I0/s320/dirty%2Bwindow.jpg" /></a></div><br />So I have been in this funk recently where I have just been having a "whoa is me attitude" towards several things in life. I could have chalked it up to the pain medication after my foot surgery or I could have blamed it on the dark winter months but no I realized it was a little more than that. And today (like the sunshine breaking in the windows from outside) God has brought light into my heart to help me out of the funk. <br />So you may ask what did it involve.........<br /><br />1. Me being willing to listen to Him.<br />2. Taking the initiative to do what He asked......start a prayer journal and journal of Thanksgiving.<br />3. Him taking away the funk and providing light through that yuckiness. <br /><br />So if you are going through a funk check it out.........is it really the winter blues or that bean burritto you just ate? Or is there a little bit more of a heart issue that needs dealing with. Let God clear out the funk.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-76209118689910974442012-01-03T08:37:00.000-05:002012-01-03T10:26:03.446-05:0016 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6GI_1KvSNA/TwMdxIuBxqI/AAAAAAAAAkE/RjXosU_3mQY/s1600/P1060790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6GI_1KvSNA/TwMdxIuBxqI/AAAAAAAAAkE/RjXosU_3mQY/s320/P1060790.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEs1jAFDA40/TwMdxa73RBI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/XKqgHvrhqzA/s1600/P1060940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEs1jAFDA40/TwMdxa73RBI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/XKqgHvrhqzA/s320/P1060940.JPG" /></a></div><br />What a great 2 months we have had since the last blog I posted. Tian is now 16 months and over the last 2 months has done a lot. He celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas as a 1 year old and was a little more aware of things than last year when he was 3 months old. For Thanksgiving we got to spend the day with my parents at a Thanksgiving buffet and it was wonderful. There was no cooking or cleanup involved so we were able to just enjoy family and have a nice peaceful day:) And since I never posted a Thanksgiving blog I thought I would just take a moment and share my top 5 things I am thankful for this year. <br />5. Being able to stay at home with my son and share in his daily experiences and adventures. <br />4. Wonderful Family (Mouers and Hertleins) and the time we get to spend together throughout the year even on SKYPE:) <br />3. Loving and Supportive Husband who is a wonderful provider for our family, hardworker and great father. <br />2. Good health for myself and my family throughout the year. <br />1. Joy of my salvation and peace of knowing God is in control of my life. <br />We are truly blessed and I thank God everyday for all he has given me in my life - everday is a blessing. <br /><br />Over the last 2 months we have also been going through a kitchen remodel and things are finally starting to look like a finished product as I write this. While it has been somewhat difficult not having a dishwasher, kitchen sink or stove we have made things work with a crockpot and microwave and have a had a little fun in the process. And while it has been somewhat difficult keeping a curious 1 year old from open walls, wet paint, nails, etc......it will be all worth it when the finished product is done and he has a new kitchen to explore:) Thanks to my husband for planning such a great kitchen design and working so hard on making it so nice for us! Cooking is going to be fun! <br /><br />Tian and I started decorating for Christmas around Thanksgiving time so we have been enjoying Christmas for awhile. This year I bought a 4 foot white Christmas tree with felt, soft and non breakable ornaments so Tian could play with the tree. And it was a good thing because the first day we put it up he pulled the tree onto himself and was taking off the ornaments and throwing them. Since then it has calmed down some and now he just likes playing with the animal ornamets that are on the tree and pointing at them and making the sounds they make. What fun:) We also put up some window clings that he loves playing with and pretty much ALL baby proof decorations. We will have to wait a couple years to put the silver Christmas tree back up and some of the other decorations. <br /><br />We also had a great time with our families over the Christmas weekend. We spent 2 days with my family the Hertleins and 2 days with the Mouers. Tian's favorite present from mama and dada seemed to be a small wooden train that he opened and played for a record 15 minutes straight saying choo choo over and over. His Christmas was also filled with many tractors thanks to the grandmas, a basketball hoop so he can start early, and lots of fun time playing with cousins, uncles, aunts and grandparents. What a wonderful 2 months and year we have had. <br /><br />At 16 months Tian is understanding a lot and starting to communicate pretty well. <br /><br />He continues to amaze me daily and is such a fun little boy. <br /><br />Looking forward to 2012 and all the fun in store for us. <br />Happy New Year!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-9029008078500586632011-12-21T08:59:00.000-05:002012-01-02T21:23:03.535-05:00Our Christmas DecorationsThis year I tried to make everything "baby friendly" around our house for Christmas. Here is what I came up with:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYyX-i3oskQ/TvCxW9V_aBI/AAAAAAAAAjU/ywwsKSEbSn8/s1600/P1060810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYyX-i3oskQ/TvCxW9V_aBI/AAAAAAAAAjU/ywwsKSEbSn8/s320/P1060810.JPG" /></a></div><br />Decorations placed in the corner of the room behind furniture. No way for baby to get to.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b64EPU0Lx7M/TvCxXJvXyvI/AAAAAAAAAjg/eF-aZK9uu38/s1600/P1060808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b64EPU0Lx7M/TvCxXJvXyvI/AAAAAAAAAjg/eF-aZK9uu38/s320/P1060808.JPG" /></a></div><br />Tian's Advent Calendar with movable nativity.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXdzxlHbTeg/TvCxXsapZDI/AAAAAAAAAjw/i8Ni3B60n-g/s1600/P1060801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXdzxlHbTeg/TvCxXsapZDI/AAAAAAAAAjw/i8Ni3B60n-g/s320/P1060801.JPG" /></a></div><br />Toy Ornaments for Tian to play with and learn his animal sounds.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IjmF59jhQBI/TvCxYwo0BNI/AAAAAAAAAj4/mLU4rBcelcU/s1600/P1060800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IjmF59jhQBI/TvCxYwo0BNI/AAAAAAAAAj4/mLU4rBcelcU/s320/P1060800.JPG" /></a></div><br />Tian's toy Christmas tree. Decorated only with toys Tian could play with.<br /><br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-1987059647193733642011-12-20T22:10:00.000-05:002011-12-20T11:17:28.043-05:00M is for Music<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRwrF8jcrYc/TvCwsQOkARI/AAAAAAAAAjI/K_wJCG3qmfU/s1600/P1060542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRwrF8jcrYc/TvCwsQOkARI/AAAAAAAAAjI/K_wJCG3qmfU/s320/P1060542.JPG" /></a></div><br />I always knew that when the time came for me to become a mom I would stay at home with my baby.even though I loved my job! I had grown up with my mom staying home with me and remember all the special times we had together. And my husband shares the same memories of his mom staying home with him and the special moments they shared. So when the time came we both agreed this is what we wanted and I was excited. Just like my teaching job, I would get to plan lessons everyday for me and my baby:) But those first months being with baby donft require a lot of lesson planning. Just nursing, holding, doing laundry and sleeping seemed to be the daily activities. I can still remember the day I was sitting and nursing and looked out the window to see the school bus going by and tearing up a bit thinking about how I missed my job. But most of all missing the op-portunity to use the gifts and talents God had given me towards music and teaching. Then one day I ran into a friend who told me about a music class she was taking her infant to and invited us to come. After joining the class for a month and seeing how much my son enjoyed the interaction and how much I enjoyed seeing moms and babies light up with music, an idea popped into my head. (Or rather I heard the still small voice of the Holy Spirit speak into my heart.) \This is some-thing you could do.. How I thought? I would need instruments, a location and would I be able to teach some-thing like this with my son? It seemed like a lot of work, money and uncertainty. Maybe I would just con-tinue taking my son to this class. But I decided to pray about the idea and see what Godfs plan was and sure enough He had it all figured out. Anne Marie said the idea would be great to offer at the Efree Church as a ministry outreach to moms and ba-bies. I found a friend who used to teach infant music class that wanted to get rid of all her instruments and I was able to purchase them from her. And my son turned out to be an excel-lent assistant in the class. And now after having done the class twice, I can see what a blessing from God it has been. Not only have I been able to share my love for music and teaching in a new way (with moms and babies) - but I have been able to build relationships with other moms sharing in the same experiences with me, have my son enjoy the company of other babies and use this class as a ministry to the community also. I really believe God truly wants to bless us and bring joy to our lives in every circumstance when we are open to what He has for us. So I would encourage you to be open to what God may be calling you to at this time in your life. Allow Him to show you where you can use the gifts and tal-ents He has given you.maybe in a unique way you never expected at this time of your life.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-38103150367228484472011-12-18T20:45:00.000-05:002011-12-17T10:27:31.756-05:0012 things I could have done without in Tian's 1st year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iehfdOcDZTM/Tuyz7dajMbI/AAAAAAAAAi8/cRSZcfBgdvM/s1600/unhappy%2Bbaby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="168" width="170" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iehfdOcDZTM/Tuyz7dajMbI/AAAAAAAAAi8/cRSZcfBgdvM/s400/unhappy%2Bbaby.jpg" /></a></div><br />Ever since I posted my blog 12 things I couldn't have done without in Tian's 1st year I have wanted to post this blog relaying the 12 things I could have done without. I know when you have a new baby on the way as a first time mom you have no idea what you need to have on hand so sometimes you think you need to get everything to be ready. However looking back I wish I would have heard from some other moms a little more before purchasing certain things. So here are my thoughts and I know everyone might not agree with me and in fact some moms might have loved some of these products. That is fine. These particular items just happened to be a waste for Tian Elliot Mouer:)<br /><br />So here goes the top 12 things I could have done without.......<br /><br />12. Food plates - Tian seems to do best eating everything out of bowls now or just on his high chair tray. So at least for now the toddler food plates have not been in use.<br /> <br />11. SwaddleMe Sleeper - Tian was never happy in one of these and so the 2 we got were never used. <br /><br />10. Too many pacifiers - While we thought it was a good idea to have lots of different pacifiers on hand to find the right one for Tian it turned out maybe we went a little TOO overbored. I would recommend just having a couple to try and see which your baby likes best then getting just enough of that kind. And since Tian only liked the pacifier his first 6 months of life it might be a good idea not to stock up on 6+ ones too early.<br /><br />9. Best Bottom Diapers - We cloth diapered and decided to try a variety of diapers to see which worked the best. These were not good at all and consistently leaked and did not seem to fit Tian right either. <br /><br />8. Tots Bots Diapers - Another diaper we found that did not fit Tian good and were disappointed with. <br /> <br />7. Seat protector mat to put under carseat - After purchasing one we found out from a certified car seat installer that these were really not safe to use. <br /><br />6. Fleece pajamas - Our little one was quite the heat magnet. We found that he was not comfortable at all in fleece sleepers and would actually wake up sweating in these. Cotton, zip up pajamas were the best for him. <br /><br />5. Baby Food Grinder - Thought this would be a good purchase after seeing friends use it with their little one but found it to be more of a pain than anything. Found it much easier to just cut up pieces of finger food for Tian when it was time for him to eat table food. <br /><br />4. BJorn Carrier - Tian hated being confined in this. Although he loved being in Mama and Dada's arms the carrier was too confining for him. Did not even get one use out of this but at least we bought it used and maybe the next kid will take a liking to it?<br /><br />3. Infant Sunglasses - Can anybody get their baby to keep these on?<br /><br />2. Full Size High Chair - While we didn't purchase one of these I just wanted to share that I am glad we didn't. Instead we got a fisher price seat that hooks onto one of our dining room chairs and it has worked great. It is portable, easy to clean (the whole seat fits in the dishwasher) and it was cheap! Great space-saver and a lot simplier than a full-size chair. <br /><br />1. Winter coat for an infant - Purchased a puffy winter coat for Tian's first winter and only wore it once on him to get a picture in. Realized he wasn't suppossed to be in his carseat in a winter coat and used a carseat cover instead which I would recommend getting! Don't bother with the winter coat.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-70886691995726947042011-11-06T07:15:00.000-05:002011-11-06T07:15:06.145-05:0014 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TgxhGrmfAKo/TrZ5bVSmJxI/AAAAAAAAAiw/LUcIilixwd0/s1600/fall1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TgxhGrmfAKo/TrZ5bVSmJxI/AAAAAAAAAiw/LUcIilixwd0/s400/fall1.jpg" /></a></div> 14 months!!!!! What a wonderful age:) I remember when Tian was just a newborn thinking I don't want him to ever grow up, this is such a wonderful time. Then I think about how each month has just been as great as the last with new and exciting things and I think to myself - I think every age is going to special. To quote the words of another mom who said to me the other day (and she has teenage boys) - "It just keeps getting better and better." I have a feeling she might be right. So I am enjoying these 14 month old moments......... Lots of hugs and kisses (he now blows kisses too), giggling at mama's silly faces, thinking it's fun to help me dust and clean, clapping when he is excited, seeing the understanding on his face when we tell him to do things, and wanting to be with mama and dada ALL THE TIME (Which is why I wasn't sure if I would get to write a 14 month blog). Are there any not so perfect moments? Ok well yes maybe like today when he threw a small tantrum when I wouldn't let him put on his own chapstick or when he wanted to continually try and go across the street to see the dog next door and didn't understand why he couldn't cross the street by himself. Yes there are some challenging moments. But for every challenging moment there are always those giggles or hugs or kisses and the challenging moments are gone in the blink of an eye. And I once again I think to myself 14 months is great!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-80736570767921482902011-09-08T08:44:00.001-04:002011-09-08T08:44:03.983-04:001 Year Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJxGX9Px39Y/TmgiwPLtN6I/AAAAAAAAAiY/NFQivJp531c/s1600/P1060277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJxGX9Px39Y/TmgiwPLtN6I/AAAAAAAAAiY/NFQivJp531c/s400/P1060277.JPG" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PMJGMTXYP68/TmgiwWDohuI/AAAAAAAAAig/DEu8b52QJL4/s1600/IMG_6432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PMJGMTXYP68/TmgiwWDohuI/AAAAAAAAAig/DEu8b52QJL4/s400/IMG_6432.JPG" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ej2znta14U/TmgiwyFPuQI/AAAAAAAAAio/p9WRpvlT2Bg/s1600/P1060290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ej2znta14U/TmgiwyFPuQI/AAAAAAAAAio/p9WRpvlT2Bg/s400/P1060290.JPG" /></a></div> One year ago today I was filled with excitement, joy and some pain:) I can still remember quite a few of the events of that day but suprisingly I don't remember quite what the labor pains felt like. It is true what mothers say that all that labor pain is erased as soon as you see your new baby. So while I do remember waking up and running around the house cleaning things up, sitting with my sister and counting contractions, calling my husband several times to get home because I was probably going to have to go to the hospital pretty soon, riding in the car to the hospital and arriving at the hospital to relax in the jacuzzi - I honestly don't remember and even have a hard time describing what the labor pains felt like.<br />Most of all though I remember getting to see my baby for the first time and getting to hold him for the first time. Right then I knew what a special little boy he was and have only realized it more this past year. <br /><br />I thought at first it might be hard to transition into a stay at home mom but I have found the new job/role to be quite fun. I have always enjoyed the differences in my days as a teacher (never knowing for sure what to expect) and I get that everyday as a mom. Somedays are quite easy and it is playtime all day, while others may involve teething or a stuffy nose and require a lot more cuddles and naps. So one year has blown by and I feel like I have experienced and learned more in this year than maybe I did in 4 years of college:) And I would not do anything different.<br /><br />As always I thought I would just share some of my highlights from the year with Tian.<br />1. 1st Christmas - Tian actually was able to rip open his gifts even though he may not have quite understood what the presents were. He also enjoyed looking at the tree and all the decorations. I look forward to this Christmas where he understands his presents a little more and gets to help decorate ALTHOUGH we won't be able to put out all the decorations for safety reasons.<br />2. Trips around the eastern US - We had some great times taking Tian to places during the past year. One highlight was Aunt Manny and Uncle Josh's wedding in Ohio when Tian was only 6 weeks old! He was a wonderful traveler and a great ring bearer. We even took another trip to Ohio in the summer when Tian was a little bit older to visit with Aunt Manny, Uncle Josh and Uncle Adam. We also had a great time in Hilton Head South Carolina with the Hertleins and Rehobath Beach Delaware with the Mouers. Tian seemed to love the beach and so did mama and dada. <br />3. Crawling and Walking - I never realized how much a baby accomplishes in their first year of life but these 2 things were amazing to watch. With Tian crawling and walking so quickly though it seems like I only had a tiny baby for a very short amount of time and I already feel like he is acting like a toddler even before he should be!<br />4. Smiling and laughing - I do love the smiles and laughs I am getting now rather than the blank baby stare:) Mornings are so much fun because Tian seems to wakeup with a big smile on his face everyday. I am going to enjoy those days as long as I can. And nothing is better than the baby giggles when I am able to do something silly to make him laugh.<br />5. Trying new foods - I have really enjoyed making baby food for Tian and have him try new foods. At first it was just new fruits and vegetables but more recently it has gotten really fun as I have been able to make him blueberry french toast and homemade spaghetti. I am really looking forward to making him special recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And I can't wait to get some cookie cutters to make fun shapes with his food. <br />6. Swimming - Probably one of my favorite things we did all summer was go to the pool. It was a lot of fun taking Tian in the pool with me and getting him used to the water. By the end of the summer he was doing a great job walking in the baby pool. I can't wait until next summer when he is even more into it. <br />7. Traveling to visit grandparents - It is always fun to go see the grandparents and it has been even more fun lately seeing Tian light up to see them. One of my favorite moments has been seeing him ride on the tractor with my dad and get so excited about it.<br />So while everyday has been a special day and everyday has brought many highlights and fun, those are just a few of some of the things that stand out. I have absolutely had a wonderful year with my 1 year old and look forward to another one. <br />Happy 1st Birthday Tian!!!!! Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-28240946186365520912011-09-01T12:30:00.000-04:002011-09-01T12:30:11.592-04:0012 things I couldn't have done without in Tian's first 12 months<strong>#12 Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder</strong><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b7geZwC3oLo/Tl-NEn1OtWI/AAAAAAAAAgU/ZPmHPpawIhM/s1600/self%2Bfeeders.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b7geZwC3oLo/Tl-NEn1OtWI/AAAAAAAAAgU/ZPmHPpawIhM/s400/self%2Bfeeders.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647387568297129314" /></a><br />These feeders were really great in the early stages of introducing solid foods to Tian. I put frozen food ice cubes in these and was able to have 20 minutes to eat my own food while Tian worked on these. They also were great to use with frozen food cubes when Tian was teething. <br /><br /><strong>#11 Around the House Plastic Tub for Bathing</strong><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F5AHOkvs-uE/Tl-OJBuL78I/AAAAAAAAAgc/namfug7a9cg/s1600/plastic%2Btub.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F5AHOkvs-uE/Tl-OJBuL78I/AAAAAAAAAgc/namfug7a9cg/s400/plastic%2Btub.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647388743478013890" /></a><br />We decided not to buy a typical baby bathtub to use with Tian and instead just tried a small plastic tub we had around the house. At first we bought an infant comfy bath sponge to put down in the tub when he was super little but eventually we just went to using the tub and it has worked great! And we are still using it at 1 year of age and will continue until he grows out of it.<br /><br /><strong>#10 Youtube Videos</strong><br /><iframe width="560" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cyVzjoj96vs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />I didn't spend much money if any on baby videos to put on to amuse Tian for hours at a time. While I thought the Baby Einstein videos were cool I really couldn't bring myself to pay $20 or so per video. So instead I found pulling up short videos on www.youtube.com became a great way for Tian to spend short amounts of time occupied by himself with me able to get some stuff done i.e. get myself ready for the day. One of his all-time favorites seems to be Will I Am singing on Sesame Street. Check out the above link for that.<br /> <br /><strong>#9 Favorite Toys</strong><br />Little Tikes Pop Tunes Big Rocker Guitar<br />IKEA EKORRE Toddle wagon/walker<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qEVvQPM4i-k/Tl-eL56Gf-I/AAAAAAAAAgs/B9f8xW1H9yg/s1600/guitar.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qEVvQPM4i-k/Tl-eL56Gf-I/AAAAAAAAAgs/B9f8xW1H9yg/s400/guitar.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647406385106157538" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ccl3Jiqtzo/Tl-eUbRMVyI/AAAAAAAAAg0/oUUStE3I0Gg/s1600/push%2Bcart.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ccl3Jiqtzo/Tl-eUbRMVyI/AAAAAAAAAg0/oUUStE3I0Gg/s400/push%2Bcart.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647406531500332834" /></a><br />While Tian has a lot of toys he doesn't exactly play with many of them. Out of all of them however these 2 items seem to have been great hits. One was purchased for 25cents at a yard sale and the other $19.99 at IKEA. Great deals and great hits with this picky toy player. The push cart was especially great in helping him learn how to walk. <br /><br /><strong>#8 Salvation Army Thrift Store and Goodwill</strong><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWQBYtGJc9w/Tl-fQzRSyRI/AAAAAAAAAhA/uYButd0AF-8/s1600/salvation%2Barmy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWQBYtGJc9w/Tl-fQzRSyRI/AAAAAAAAAhA/uYButd0AF-8/s400/salvation%2Barmy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647407568735357202" /></a><br />I think it is pretty ridiculous to pay $20 for a pair of baby jeans so one of my favorite stores I have begun to hit more and more is the Salvation Army Family Store and Goodwill. I have found clothes for Tian that are basically brand new and in excellent condition - jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, shoes, coats, a snowsuit and toys too. My favorite day is Wednesday when all clothing and shoes is 50% off at the Salvation Army Store!!!!<br /><br /><strong>#7 OXO Tot Baby Food Freezer Tray</strong><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHCLlOSA0aE/Tl-g-yibtRI/AAAAAAAAAhI/S_mdQrXAB2M/s1600/ice%2Bcube.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHCLlOSA0aE/Tl-g-yibtRI/AAAAAAAAAhI/S_mdQrXAB2M/s400/ice%2Bcube.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647409458324419858" /></a><br />These trays have been super helpful in making baby food for Tian. I love the lids and how easy it is to just fill them with the food, put the lid on and freeze them without worries until emptying them into freezer bags. While regular ice cube trays could definetly work the convience of these trays with lids is well worth it.<br /><br /><strong>#6 Rumparooz</strong><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABDf8kvx2AQ/Tl-htQOl3NI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/NiWHCmyVJm0/s1600/rumparooz.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABDf8kvx2AQ/Tl-htQOl3NI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/NiWHCmyVJm0/s400/rumparooz.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647410256568245458" /></a><br />Cloth diapering has gone quite well with Tian but if I could do it all over again I would change one thing and get ALL Rumparooz diapers. I went ahead and purchased several types of cloth diapers to try and while several of the other types were OK the Rumparooz turned out to be the VERY BEST and we love them. The snaps are better than the velcro however as the velcro does seem to wear out but the Rumparooz rarely if ever leaked and were great quality. So for me the ideal cloth diaper experience would be all snap Rumparooz.<br /><br /><strong>#5 Planet Wise Diaper Pail Liner and Diaper Dekor Plus Diaper Disposal System</strong><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTf3-XPJO4k/Tl-tSACTpzI/AAAAAAAAAhg/pD8SixdwOTI/s1600/diaper%2Bliner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTf3-XPJO4k/Tl-tSACTpzI/AAAAAAAAAhg/pD8SixdwOTI/s400/diaper%2Bliner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647422982504818482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fhfccbq2M24/Tl-taA2Ui-I/AAAAAAAAAho/2bGUiPe5yck/s1600/diaper%2Bpail.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fhfccbq2M24/Tl-taA2Ui-I/AAAAAAAAAho/2bGUiPe5yck/s400/diaper%2Bpail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647423120161934306" /></a><br />My husband and I came up with this system for storing the dirty cloth diapers and it has worked beautifully. No dirty diaper smell in our bathroom and super easy to use. Just pull out the diaper pail liner when it is full and take the whole thing to the wash and wash the pail liner right with the diapers. I would say when the pail liner is in the diaper pail it holds about 15 diapers before needing to put in another pail liner so I purchased two to just go back and forth with.<br /><br /><strong>#4 BabySmart Cooshee Changer</strong><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj8lno2oSZU/Tl-tItmLzlI/AAAAAAAAAhY/UCS7iGIsFGY/s1600/changer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj8lno2oSZU/Tl-tItmLzlI/AAAAAAAAAhY/UCS7iGIsFGY/s400/changer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647422822936202834" /></a><br />This was a wonderful purchase for a diaper changing station. No washing of sheets required just a Clorox wipe every so often to wipe it down. If an accident does happen while changing baby, once again just a quick wipe with a Clorox wipe or wipe. And it is super soft and comfy for baby to lay on even though my now almost toddler continues to fight every diaper change. <br /><br /><strong>#3 Baby Bjorn Smart Potty</strong><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o93GL48M8xk/Tl-tksxJVBI/AAAAAAAAAhw/zAS2VoLJ-7E/s1600/potty.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o93GL48M8xk/Tl-tksxJVBI/AAAAAAAAAhw/zAS2VoLJ-7E/s400/potty.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647423303750079506" /></a><br />Since our intention was to have Tian start sitting on the potty as soon as he was able to sit by himself we wanted to make sure we got him something comfortable and his size. This potty has worked great and Tian continues to like sitting on it and reading his books while going potty very regurlarly now:)<br /><br /><strong>#2 Books</strong><br />Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1CFsk_TYII/Tl-trxpE-hI/AAAAAAAAAh4/h0uUnhUCQVU/s1600/books.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1CFsk_TYII/Tl-trxpE-hI/AAAAAAAAAh4/h0uUnhUCQVU/s400/books.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647423425317501458" /></a><br />The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (La Leche League International Book)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppK0EZJ-KUw/Tl-t1sRJlTI/AAAAAAAAAiA/CiszKRQq7Wg/s1600/books1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppK0EZJ-KUw/Tl-t1sRJlTI/AAAAAAAAAiA/CiszKRQq7Wg/s400/books1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647423595673654578" /></a><br />The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two by William Sears<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wiSCdvokfcM/Tl-t8Ep2ueI/AAAAAAAAAiI/C5m_d5XLoUA/s1600/books2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wiSCdvokfcM/Tl-t8Ep2ueI/AAAAAAAAAiI/C5m_d5XLoUA/s400/books2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647423705298942434" /></a><br />While I am a big fan of the internet and find out a lot of information just by searching on the web I do like to have some good book sources on hand anyway. The above mentioned books were well worth their purchase and very useful in this first year of raising a baby. I found the super baby food book very helpful on how to make baby food and the amount of food to feed baby and look forward to trying a lot of the recipes for meals for my soon to be toddler. The breastfeeding book was very encouraging in making sure I was doing everything right with breastfeeding and when I had some difficulty early on it was very useful to go to and find out what exactly was the problem and how to fix it. And the baby book was great to read and make sure we were doing everything right with an infant and to make sure Tian was developing ok during his first year. All are great reads and I highly recommend them all.<br /><br /><strong>#1 Troy (Husband)</strong><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xrKH3Pi9-Tc/Tl-uLZQPRyI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/P2b7AtCSa8U/s1600/P1040880.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xrKH3Pi9-Tc/Tl-uLZQPRyI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/P2b7AtCSa8U/s400/P1040880.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647423968526681890" /></a><br />And of course I couldn't have done without my #1 help Troy my husband. From help with diaper changes, to mid-night going back to sleep rockings, to playtime so mommy can give music lessons, to all the household help including changing cat litter - definetly the #1 thing I couldn't have done without in Tian's first year was Troy:) Love ya Troy!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-67011938559454427002011-08-02T21:14:00.005-04:002011-08-04T21:02:00.651-04:0011 months<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MaOmN1I7DXM/Tjs0YuIy2JI/AAAAAAAAAgM/LRodcEgAQ6s/s1600/P1050941.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MaOmN1I7DXM/Tjs0YuIy2JI/AAAAAAAAAgM/LRodcEgAQ6s/s400/P1050941.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637156957890730130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuiJDrAFfMc/Tjs0YQTk3GI/AAAAAAAAAgE/o6b-1thXLio/s1600/P1050947.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuiJDrAFfMc/Tjs0YQTk3GI/AAAAAAAAAgE/o6b-1thXLio/s400/P1050947.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637156949882887266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZK2eRnFvHA/Tjs0YFvD3lI/AAAAAAAAAf8/h2GeAogFiTk/s1600/P1050889.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZK2eRnFvHA/Tjs0YFvD3lI/AAAAAAAAAf8/h2GeAogFiTk/s400/P1050889.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637156947045375570" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-0r7nnKALM/Tjs0X8qLmxI/AAAAAAAAAf0/SDrEA1Aj4ns/s1600/P1050181.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-0r7nnKALM/Tjs0X8qLmxI/AAAAAAAAAf0/SDrEA1Aj4ns/s400/P1050181.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637156944608992018" /></a><br />While it feels like just yesterday I was sitting here feeling bloated, tired,like I was carrying a watermelon and getting kicked at all hours of the day AND night it also feels like Tian has been with us forever. I can't remember what it was like when he wasn't here in my life. <br /><br />11 months have flown and at times maybe dragged a bit (like the days I chase him all over the house from 7am - 7pm.........very minimal naps). But every minute has been wonderful and everday brings a new highlight and momentous occasion i.e. saying mama and dada or taking that first step or wanting to feed himself.<br /><br />Some of the highlights from the past month have been the following.<br />1. Tian is now walking like a pro. His balance is excellent and he has very few falls throughout the day. He is constantly on the go!<br />2. While still only 1 tooth is visible there are signs of about 3 more teeth coming in soon........no more snaggle tooth:(<br />3. Tian loves finger foods and feeding himself. Usually this includes bananas, peaches and other types of soft fruits and more recently scrambled eggs. He is also wanting to try and use the spoon more by himself so we are trying to suck it up and let him even though the mess isn't always fun.<br />4. It is evident that Tian is expanding his vocabulary and understanding a lot of words. He knows bathtime because every night when we start singing the bathtime song he crawls up the steps and pulls open the shower curtain. Just the other day for Troy he crawled up the steps and went to his potty when Troy told him to go potty. <br /><br />In just a little over 30 days Tian will turn 1. Somedays I sit back (when I get a moment) and think about how quickly he was a baby and how I will miss it. But then he comes waddling over to me with his arms out and a big smile to give me a kiss and I think why would I want anything but this. And I have a feeling I will feel like that when he is 2 and talking my ear off and when he is 3 and wanting to show me his latest drawing or when he is 8 waving at me from the soccer field. I don't know about those teenage years though:) we will wait to see when those come!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-71558012252846194522011-07-14T22:00:00.003-04:002011-07-14T22:16:17.896-04:00Playing at the beach<iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxSL9dgwZbuM_E2qkzTAY3o6Gc3UE3a78VUVS9n8KP3Wt1vaoskk9RfKS4uW7jqrCGNYes1lN6n-OOTxnepvw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-88506660065368815722011-07-04T21:47:00.004-04:002011-07-04T22:03:31.041-04:00Happy 4th of July<iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwA7WLQK-Iq544WxyqeTp5fftnHP1Ge1rVJ-3QvFxFOMMpPmXTdP2bq11KraEJALWa8tkE4BGPpORDkTFxLng' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-15411711993061247832011-07-04T21:45:00.003-04:002011-07-04T22:03:23.951-04:00Walking....Climbing.....What Next?<iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzRbL7rOuRpU4Efn773NMX5mw2xC4WuvPyKIdOtucWSgnZKB-ia1VxEv86JXdormMWOUJj0rqclTkd8RjdhIQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957116849067901690.post-61680034223313767692011-06-30T16:31:00.015-04:002011-07-04T08:19:55.642-04:0010 months<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5DqXkqRDH4/ThEYV7nlouI/AAAAAAAAAfs/pn56JzfmLg8/s1600/P1050050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5DqXkqRDH4/ThEYV7nlouI/AAAAAAAAAfs/pn56JzfmLg8/s400/P1050050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625304174622515938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0LvObLEQ8zQ/ThEYVZmnxwI/AAAAAAAAAfk/7TWmobKPJE0/s1600/P1050058.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0LvObLEQ8zQ/ThEYVZmnxwI/AAAAAAAAAfk/7TWmobKPJE0/s400/P1050058.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625304165491656450" /></a><br /><br />Where do the months go. I can't believe 10 months ago I was delivering a tiny baby and today I have a small child starting to take steps without any help. My baby is growing up! I think this is one thing I never thought of - how fast the time goes and how quickly they go from babies to toddlers to kids and OH NO! teens!:) All I can do is sit here in the moment and enjoy every new day I get with my boy. I am finding that every moment and every day is just as special as the last with much to look forward to and much to look back on and feel blessed.<br /><br />Tian is up to his usual tricks lately. Trying to be a big boy before I am ready for it. He has taken 4-5 steps on his own and seems to want to try and walk places now more than crawl. He continues to talk to and try and pet the cats to no avail. They continue to run away as soon as he starts reaching his hand out and screaming at them. (We are working on soft talk and being gentle with them.) One of Tian's new favorite things is finger foods and SNACKS! He seems to know the words Puffs and Snacks and starts opening and shutting his mouth when he hears these words. He loves Puffs, freeze dried yogurt, watermelon, pear pieces, raspberries, etc. He is quite the eater. Tian has also learned how to say both dada and mama now and seems to know who is who:) When he is tired or hungry = MAMA. When he wants to play and when he wakes up first thing in the morning = DADA. While he still is not doing and sign language back to us we continue to try and teach him words this way. I am hoping one of these days he will wake up and all day long just sign this and that like he has been storing it up in there or something. But regardless.....he seems to know the words kitty, food, juice, and potty too. And my favorite is now when he has to go poo poo on the potty he starts to grunt, stops, looks at me to make sure he has my attention, grunts again and when I say poo poo or potty he gets all excited. Good enough communication to me that he needs to go:)<br />One of our favorite things to do lately is go to the pool. It is so neat to have an infant in the summertime and try to find things to do with them outside. It is like being a kid all over again. Tian loves the kiddy pool and even more the big pool when I take him in with me or in his floaty. No matter how cold the water is he is smiling and splashing. I think he will have lots of days at the pool in the future - and me too! We have also been having a great time teaching an infant music class together. A way I have been able to use my music education degree and a way for Tian to get out and meet other infants, socialize and play some shakers too! It has been a blast and we look forward to teaching some more classes together in the future!<br />So with 10 months here all I can say once again is what a wonderful thing to be a mom!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287064481508285420noreply@blogger.com0